Satellite signal frequency translation and stacking

ABSTRACT

An outdoor satellite receiving unit (ODU) receives several independent satellite signals, selects two signals with a switch matrix, downconverts the two signals to a bandstacked signal with a high and a low band signal, and outputs the bandstacked signal on the same cable to receiver units. Several satellite signals can be selected in groups of two or more and output to independent receiver units. Signal selecting is performed at the received radio frequency (RF) and bandstacking is performed with a single downconversion step to an intermediate frequency (IF). Channel stacking on the same cable of more than two channels from several satellites can be achieved by using frequency agile downconverters and bandpass filters prior to combining at the IF output. A slow transitioning switch minimizes signal disturbances when switching and maintains input impedance at a constant value.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/451,359 filed Aug. 4, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/334,975 filed Dec. 22, 2011 (now U.S. Pat. No.8,892,026), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/016,998 filed Jan. 19, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,086,170), which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/934,715 filed Nov. 2, 2007,which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60,864,352 filedNov. 3, 2006, U.S. Provisional Application 60/885,814 filed Jan. 19,2007, and U.S. Provisional Application 60/886,933 filed Jan. 28, 2007.This application is also a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/015,760 filed Jan. 17, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,219,557), which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/934,484 filed Nov. 2, 2007,which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/864,352 filedNov. 3, 2006, U.S. Provisional Application 60/885,814 filed Jan. 19,2007, and U.S. Provisional Application 60/886,933 filed Jan. 28, 2007.Each of the above mentioned documents is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to satellite receiver systems,and in particular, to signal distribution of multiple satellite signals.

Background of the Related Art

In modern and competitive TV delivery systems it is necessary to providecustomers with the ability to simultaneously and independently tune toand receive any of the available TV channels from a multiplicity ofsatellites transmitting transponder channels. In a typical satellitesystem, a frequency band may have two different signal polarizations,thus delivering the multiplicity of transponder channels through themultiplicity of satellite paths simultaneously on the same frequencyband. A multiplicity of different TV appliances, such as TV sets,set-tops, personal video recorders (PVRs), digital video recorders(DVRs) and other devices need to receive different TV programssimultaneously in different rooms in one household (the “whole-homevideo” or “watch and record” capability), or in a multiplicity ofhouseholds in the case of multiple-dwelling units. It is a challenge toprovide the capability of reception of any channel from any path onmultiple tuners in different receive appliances simultaneously andindependently. This problem of enabling each tuner to independently tuneto any channel from either polarization of any satellite has beenresolved in the prior art by the means of frequency “band translationswitch” (BTS) technology as well as “channel-stacking switch” (CSS)technology utilizing secondary frequency conversion, as described below.

FIG. 1 shows a typical block diagram of a satellite band translationsystem of the prior art for use with two satellites, providing twooutputs, each feeding a dual channel tuner (or two individual tuners).Each antenna receives two signals of different polarizations, typicallyhaving channel frequencies offset by half-channel width or having thesame channel frequencies. In direct broadcast satellite (DBS)applications, the polarization is typically circular, having right-hand(R1 and R2) and left-hand (L1 and L2) polarized signals as labeled inFIG. 1. Signals can also be linearly polarized with horizontal andvertical polarizations.

The received signals are processed in a well known low noiseblock-converter (LNB) 8 consisting of low noise amplifiers 7, whichtypically comprise 2 or 3 amplifiers in a cascade, filters 9, whichtypically comprise bandpass filters providing image rejection andreducing out of band power, and frequency converter block 10. Theconverter block 10, performing frequency downconversion, contains localoscillators LO1 14 and LO2 12 typically of the dielectric-resonatoroscillator (DRO) type, mixers, and post-mixer amplifiers. The two mixersdriven by LO1 downconvert the signals to one frequency band (lower, L)while the mixers driven by LO2 downconvert to a different frequency band(higher, H). The L and H frequency bands are mutually exclusive, do notoverlap, and have a frequency guard-band in between. The L and H bandsignals are then summed together in a separate combiner 16 in each arm,forming a composite signal having both frequency bands, “L+H”, which isoften referred to as a “band-stacked signal”, which is then coupled to a2×4 matrix switch/converter block 20.

The matrix switch 30 routes each of the two input signals to selectedone or more of the 4 outputs, either by first frequency converting thesignals in the mixers 28 driven by LO3 32 or directly via the bypassswitches around the mixers. The controls for the switch and mixer bypassare not shown in the figure. The frequency of the LO3 is chosen suchthat the L-band converts into the H band, and vice versa, which isreferred to as the “band-translation”. This is accomplished when the LO3frequency is equal to the difference of the LO2 and LO1 frequencies. Theband-translation is a second mixing and frequency conversion operationperformed on the received satellite signal, after the first frequencyconversion operation performed in the LNB.

The outputs of the matrix switch/converter block 20 are coupled throughdiplexers consisting of a high-pass filter 22, low-pass filter 24 and acombiner 26, with two similar paths providing two dual tuner outputs 18and 34. The filters 22 and 24 remove the undesired portion of thespectrum, i.e. the unwanted bands in each output. Each of the twooutputs 18 and 34 feeds a dual tuner set top box (STB) via a separatecoaxial cable, for a total capability of 4 tuners in STBs. Bycontrolling the matrix switch routing and the mixer conversion/bypassmodes, a frequency translation is accomplished and each of the 4 tunerscan independently tune to any of the channels from either polarizationof either satellite.

FIG. 2 is a prior art block diagram of a satellite band translationsystem receiving two satellites like FIG. 1, but with additionalcapability of receiving and processing an external input signal 36. InFIG. 2 an exemplary case of a common Ku band radio frequency (RF)downlink frequency band as well as a standard intermediate frequency(IF) band is shown. In the example, the downlink Ku frequency band 12.2GHz to 12.7 GHz is downconverted to a standard satellite IF frequencyrange 950-2150 MHz by mixing with two local oscillators LO1 and LO2. TheLO1 frequency is 11.25 GHz, downconverting the right-hand polarizedsignal R1 to a low band 950 MHz to 1450 MHz (L) and LO2 is 14.35 GHz,downconverting the left-hand polarized signal L1 to a high band 1650 MHzto 2150 MHz (H). Combining the two, a band-stacked composite signal(“L+H”) is formed, spanning from 950 MHz to 2150 MHz, with a guard band200 MHz wide in the middle. The same is repeated for the other twosignals, R2 and L2. The external input signal 36 comes already convertedand band-stacked in the standard IF range 950-2150 MHz, typically fromanother antenna/LNB. A 3×4 matrix switch 38 is used in order tomultiplex the additional external signal with the other two internalsignals.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a satellite band translation system of theprior art for receiving input from two satellites and supporting oneexternal input like FIG. 2, but providing one more output, for a totalof three outputs capable of independently feeding three dual tuners. Toaccommodate increased number of output ports, a larger matrix switch ofa 4×6 size is used.

These and other prior art systems, while accomplishing the goal ofindependent tuning of multiplicity of tuners, achieve that by employinga secondary frequency conversion, effectively adding one more conversionto the conversion already occurring in the LNB, thus not only increasingthe complexity, but potentially degrading the signal quality as well.Furthermore, if the switch-over in the matrix switch creates a transientand results in a change of level and phase of the received signal,interruption and temporary loss of service can occur at the affectedport.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,164 issued to Lazaris-Brunner et al entitled “AnalogProcessor for Digital Satellites”, incorporated herein by reference,describes an analog processor for use with digital satellites. Thepatent discloses a system that consists of a receiver block thatperforms a frequency down-conversion, an N×M Switch Matrix, followed byanother frequency down-conversion.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,130,576 issued to Gurantz et al entitled “SignalSelector and Combiner for Broadband Content Distribution”, incorporatedherein by reference, describes a processor for use with digitalsatellites. The patent discloses a system that consists of low noiseblock converters (LNBs) that perform a frequency down-conversion, an N×MSwitch Matrix, followed by another frequency down-conversion.

The prior art leaves room for improvements, such as reducing thecomplexity, power and cost, preserving the phase noise performance aswell as addressing the switch-over transient effects thus eliminatingthe risk of service interruption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a receiving method and apparatus for simultaneous andindependent reception by a multiplicity of receivers of the channelscarried on the same frequency band but through different, multipletransmission paths by enabling individual receivers to independentlytune to any channel on any path. The frequency conversion from receivedradio frequency (RF) to intermediate frequency (IF) for distribution toset top boxes (STBs) is accomplished with one downconversion. Typically,the invention can be used in a satellite receive system receivingsimultaneously from two or more satellites, each satellite input havingtwo different signal polarizations, thus having four or more differentsignal-carrying transmission paths delivering signals on the samefrequency bands.

Several satellite signals are received and amplified. A switch matrixselects two or more signals from among the received RF signals.Switching is preferably performed with switches that maintain constantimpedance on the input terminal or provide a slow switching transitionto avoid a discontinuity in impedance. The selected signals are downconverted and frequency translated to a high or low band-stacked band.The translated signals are combined in pairs to form a band-slackedsignal. A single downconversion step is used, thereby reducingcomplexity, cost, and phase noise. The band-stacked signal feeds tunersin STBs.

The present invention reduces the complexity, cost and size ofchannel-band frequency translation and stacking by eliminating secondaryfrequency conversion in the outdoor unit (ODU) and correspondingcircuitry. Elimination of the second frequency conversion also helpspreserve the quality of the signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art satellite band translationsystem for receiving input from two satellites.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a prior art satellite band translationsystem for receiving input from two satellites with additionalcapability of receiving and processing an external input signal.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a prior art satellite band translationsystem for receiving input from two satellites, with one external inputand a total of three outputs.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention ofa satellite channel translation system for one satellite.

FIG. 5 illustrates the timing diagram of the switch-over transitionstates of a preferred embodiment of the switch in the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention switch shown in OFF state.

FIG. 6B is a block diagram of the switch in FIG. 6A but shown in ONstate.

FIG. 6C is a block diagram of the switch in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B shown inthe intermediate, transitional state, when the arm is moving from ON toOFF position or vice versa.

FIG. 7A is an example of the timing diagram of the switch-overtransition state of the switch of FIG. 6C where a constant product ofthe impedances of the two arms of the switch is attained, i.e. Z₁·Z₂=R².

FIG. 7B is the input impedance of the switch in transition of FIG. 6C,which is constant and equal to system impedance R when the impedances ofthe two arms of the switch change per FIG. 7A, i.e. when Z₁·Z₂=R².

FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention switch using FET switching elements controlled bydigital-analog converters (DACs).

FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention switch using FET switching elements as in FIG. 8 butcontrolled by a linearized transconductance circuit having a resistiveload.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of control voltages of the switch-over transitionstate of the switch of FIG. 9 achieving nearly constant product of theimpedances of the two arms of the switch, i.e. Z₁·Z₂≈R².

FIG. 11A is a block diagram of a multiplicity of the present inventionswitches connected to the same input. The input impedance gets reducedby the factor equal to the number of switches.

FIG. 11B is a block diagram of two switches configured for a two input,one output arrangement.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a multiplicity of the present inventionswitches connected in a “pyramid” arrangements.

FIG. 13 is a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of the presentinvention amplifier in an AGC arrangement for signal power levelingutilizing internal variable gain amplifier.

FIG. 14 is a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of the presentinvention amplifier in an AGC arrangement for signal power levelingutilizing external variable gain and/or attenuation.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention ofa satellite band translation system for receiving input from twosatellites.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention ofa satellite band translation system for receiving input from twosatellites.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention ofa satellite band translation system for receiving input from twosatellites using DRO type oscillators in the downconverter block.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of an implementation of the present inventionusing PLL-based LOs and having a separate external IF input.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an implementation of the present inventionusing DRO-based LOs and having a separate external IF input.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of an implementation of the present inventionhaving 3 outputs and where the downconverters have a shared LO betweenthree mixers.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an implementation of the present inventionhaving 3 outputs and the downconverters having DRO-based LOs.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of the channel stacking method of the presentinvention for use with two satellite inputs.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of the channel stacking method of the presentinvention for use with three satellite inputs.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of the channel stacking method of the presentinvention for use with two satellite inputs and an external IF input.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of the present inventionof a satellite channel translation system for one satellite, providingone output containing two channels at different frequencies and feedinga dual channel tuner or two individual tuners. Each tuner is providedwith the desired signal from either received polarity, but unlike theprior art circuits, achieves the translation directly without performinga secondary frequency conversion.

The entire switching and routing function is performed at the inputfrequency (“on-frequency”) thus eliminating oscillators, mixers, bypassswitches, post-amplifiers, and other circuitry associated with thesecondary conversion. This approach simplifies the system as well asimproves preservation of the signal integrity. Where it is necessary tominimize the effects of port-to-port cross-talk during the switch-over,the switch control circuit 4 may be used to control the switching timingand the impedance transition of switches 2. This technique is describedlater.

The on-frequency routing is performed by the matrix switch 11 of thesize 2×2 in this example. It contains the input blocks 90 and the switchblock 2. Inside the switch block 2 individual switch elements 3 areshown, in exemplary ON or OFF positions. An output of the matrix switchis connected to one source only, while each source can be connected tomultiple outputs (providing the same selected program to multiplereceivers).

The matrix switch 11 routes the on-frequency input signals coming fromthe antenna via amplifiers 7 and 17, and filters 9 and 19 to theselected outputs of the switch. The two selected signals from the outputof the matrix switch 11 are fed to the frequency convener block 60 withdownconverters 65 and 66 for conversion to the IF frequency.

The downconverters 65 and 66 can be fixed tuned or frequency agile (i.e.changeable). For a band translation switch (BTS) function, the LOsinside blocks 65 and 66 would typically be fixed tuned, and for thechannel-stacking switch (CSS) application, the LOs are agile. Thedownconverters may each have an oscillator (a PLL type oscillator 51 isillustrated) or the downconverts may share a single oscillator as shownin downconverter 50 of FIG. 16.

If input RF frequency range or bandwidth (BW) is less than half of theoutput IF frequency BW (RF BW<½ IF BW), output filters 62 and 63 ingeneral are not required for the BTS function. This is because theentire RF band of one RF input fits in the lower portion of the IF band(low band, L) and the entire band of the other input fits in the upperportion of IF (high band, H). For example, if the satellite frequencyrange is 12.2-12.7 GHz, i.e. RF BW=500 MHz and IF output has a standardrange of 950 MHz-2150 MHz (IF BW=1200 MHz), then the low band can befrom 950 MHz to 1450 MHz using a fixed LO frequency of 11.25 GHz and thehigh band from 1650 to 2150 MHz. These bands do not overlap andfiltering is not required. The upper sideband products of the conversionprocess in downconverters 65 and 66 fall at the LO and RF sumfrequencies, which in this case in the 23-27 GHz range. This range iswell outside the IF frequency of interest and will typically beattenuated by the natural low pass properties of most subsequent stagesand devices, such as combiners, cables and receiving devices. Ifnecessary, a simple “roofing” filter rejecting this frequency band canbe used before or after combiner 64.

In the simple case of one satellite (two RF inputs) in FIG. 4, thematrix switch 11 may not be needed if RF BW<½ IF BW because both RFinputs can be simultaneously stacked on one cable. However, for RFbandwidths greater than half of IF bandwidth, the switch 11 is required.For example, the satellite frequency range 10.7 to 12.75 GHz such assome European satellites has RF BW=2.05 GHz, both the switch 11 andfilters 62 and 63 are needed.

For more than two IF output channels, channel stacking CSS as opposed toband stacking BTS is used, in which case filtering in the IF is needed.In general, in order to fit a multiplicity of channels into available IFBW, bandpass type filters staggered in frequency are used. For instancein FIG. 22 four outputs are shown, and filters 62 are bandpass types.

The following is a description of a channel stacked (CSS) application ofFIG. 4. Optional filters 62 and 63 are used in the channel stackedapplications whereas for the band stack application, the filters 62 and63 generally do not need to be used. The downconverters 65 and 66 are inthis case frequency agile and are tuned such that the desired channelfrequency of each downconverter falls in the pass band of the respectivebandpass filters 62 and 63. The center frequencies of filters 62 and 63are different and fall within the tuning range of the tuners. Theoutputs of the fillers 62 and 63 are combined together in combiner 64and passed to the dual tuner. One embodiment of the frequency control ofthe oscillators is the phase locked loop (PLL). Another embodiment isthe frequency locked loop (FLL). Downconverters 65 and 66 can becombined in a single integrated circuit (IC).

The switch control 4 and the frequency control circuitry are containedin block 42. This block is controlled remotely via the same coaxialcable carrying the channels to the receiving devices, but in a reversedirection from an indoor or outdoor control unit or from a set-top box.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of the present invention circuithandling more input and output ports and translating frequency bandsrather than channels. This figure shows a block diagram of the presentinvention of a satellite band translation system for two satellites,providing two outputs, each having two different channels and feeding adual channel tuner. The circuit performs the entire switching androuting function on-frequency in a similar way as FIG. 4. Theon-frequency routing in the circuit of FIG. 15 is performed by thematrix switch 40 having the size of 4×4 in this embodiment. The matrixswitch 40 routes the four on-frequency input signals coming from theamplifier chains to selected one or more of the 4 outputs of the switch.The four selected signals from the output of the matrix switch 40 arefed to the downconverter block 44 for conversion to the IF frequency.

A total of four downconverters 46 are contained in the block 44 in thisembodiment. The number of downconverters is equal to the number of thematrix switch outputs as well as to the number of tuners connected atthe output (two dual tuners in this case). One embodiment of thedownconverters can be to implement in an integrated circuit, eitherhaving each individual downconverter block 46 in a separate IC, orcombining two or more downconverter blocks 46 in a single IC. If morethan one downconverter is implemented on a single IC some level of LOsharing is possible, as depicted in FIG. 16. Another example of LOsharing is shown in FIG. 17, this time sharing of a discrete DRO type.

The oscillator in each downconverter 46 is tuned to a frequency suchthat the correct output frequency band L or H is achieved at eachoutput. One embodiment of the frequency control of the oscillators isthe phase locked loop (PLL). The downconversion in each block producesonly one (desired) band at the output. If the RF BW is less than half ofthe IF BW, unlike the prior art there is no need for band filtering ordiplexing at the output—the two bands L and H are simply combinedtogether in a simple combiner and launched to the cable feeding thetuners. Elimination of the diplexers is another advantage of the presentart.

The matrix switch can be an off-the-shelf Microwave MonolithicIntegrated Circuit (MMIC) such as the Hittite Microwave Corporationbroadband GaAs MESFET MMIC chip. Several IC die can be used in “systemin a package” (SIP) implementation. The matrix switch can also beimplemented as a discrete solution, for example using PIN diodes on aprinted circuit board, or as a combination of discrete and ICcomponents. The matrix switch can also be implemented in a monolithicintegrated circuit with the rest of the system of the present invention.

The matrix switch has to achieve sufficient performance in order to meetthe system requirements and avoid signal quality degradation. Importantperformance aspects of the matrix switch are the isolation from port toport when the switch is in steady-state (static isolation or staticcross-talk), and the port to port isolation during the switch-over whenthe switch is transitioning from state to state (dynamic isolation ordynamic cross-talk). Considerations of both static and dynamic isolationof the matrix switch include the signal isolation (signal leakage)aspects and the impedance change effects on signal levels and isolation.

The consideration of static isolation between ports must account for thefact that each port receives the power from all other ports combined,increasing the requirement with increasing number of ports. The signalisolation from each port to the aggregate of all other ports must meetthe system budget requirements. In digital satellite applications usingQPSK or 8PSK modulation formats, the isolation of one port from thecombined signal power of all other ports needs to be on the order of 40dB to meet the system requirements. To achieve this, the isolationbetween individual ports must be higher than that by 10 log(N−1), whereN is the total number of ports. For the exemplary case of the circuit ofFIG. 15 with 4 ports, the port to port isolation must be 5 dB higher (10log 3), therefore, 45 dB of port to port isolation is required. In thecase of more ports, yet higher port to port isolation will be required.Another design aspect of the switch is the effect of the staticimpedance change, i.e. the difference of the nodal impedance indifferent switch states. The nodal impedance should remain substantiallyconstant as a function of the state of the switches to minimize thechange of the signal level being transmitted through the node.

The dynamic isolation of the matrix switch must be high enough to ensurethat the signal transients or impedance change transients induced on one(affected) port during a switch-over of another (offending) port do notdisturb the signal reception on the affected port. In general, during aswitch over of one port, all other (N−1) ports can be affected, buttypically the ports driven by the same source as the one beingswitched-over are affected more severely. During the transition from anopen to a closed state (or vice versa) the impedance of the switch ischanging or transitioning from high impedance to low impedance (or viceversa) having some intermediate value during the transition. The switchimpedance during the transition affects the impedance of the node towhich it is connected thus affecting the signal power and signal phasetransfer through the node between the connected devices. Upon settlingof the transition, the static impedance may also be different resultingin a static level and phase shift.

One of the methods employed in the present invention to mitigate theimpedance change effects during switch-over is to control the speed ofthe switch-over transition process. Conventional switches do not controlthe turn-on and turn-off speed but rather let the switch transition atits “natural” speed, primarily determined by propagation and otherunintentional delays in the system. This speed is typically very fast,on the order of several tens of nanoseconds, which is of the same orderas the symbol time in high speed digital communications. For example,with 25 Msps the symbol time is 40 ns and a glitch during theswitch-over of comparable duration can cause short burst errors, whichcan cause visible or audible artifacts, depending whether the error isrecoverable by the error correction in the demodulator.

However, if the fast switch-over is followed by a static shift of leveland/or phase of the received signal, more severe consequence oftemporary loss of service can occur. The more the impedance of a nodechanges upon switch-over (consequently causing a larger step change ofboth the level and the phase of the signal at the node feeding other,non-switched ports) the more likely this is to happen. This is because astep change of the level and phase will not be corrected immediately bythe demodulator, but rather only after the AGC and the carrier trackingloop track-out the changes and settle, which may be on the order ofmilliseconds. During this time the decision levels in the demodulatorwill be incorrect and long burst errors may occur (e.g. for a 40 nssymbol time, this can mean thousands of erroneous symbols which candisrupt the service).

To solve the switch transient problem, the switch transition is sloweddown to allow the carrier tracking loop in the demodulator and the AGCloop to track out the signal change caused by the switching.

FIG. 5 shows a timing diagram of the switch-over transition states.Instead of rapidly changing the switch state from ON to OFF (and viceversa), the switching over time, i.e. the duration of the transitionregion 6, is intentionally slowed-down to allow various loops (such ascarrier tracking loop and AGC loop) in the demodulator to track out theswitch transients and prevent degradation or loss of reception duringthe switch over. As depicted by the curve shape in region 6, the rate ofthe switch impedance change in the present invention is intentionallyslowed down. The transition time is adjusted in a controlled way belowthe symbol rate and below the time constants of both the carriertracking and the AGC loops, i.e. slower than the reciprocal of the loopbandwidths (1/LBW) of each loop. The non-linear signal distortion whilethe switch is in the active transition region 6 may be higher comparedto the ON or OFF states and in general needs to be accounted for andaddressed in the design.

While the above method of the present invention eliminates the serviceinterruption risk due to switch transients and static impedance changes,the method will not however address the effects of static impedancechange on signal isolation. The impedance change can manifest itself inreduced port to port signal isolation due to changed nodal voltages andcurrents. This may be more pronounced when single-ended signal lines areused, as opposed to a case of differential signal lines. This issue isaddressed by another method of the present invention which maintainsconstant impedance both during and after the switch-over. The method isdescribed next.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate the constant impedance switching method.With the switching method of the present invention, a constant inputimpedance is attained, i.e. impedance matching of the switch at theinput is achieved in all three states (ON, OFF and in-transition). Thepreferred embodiment of the switch element 3 is of the single poledouble throw (SPDT) type with an internal termination. In the OFFposition as shown in FIG. 6A, the switch connects the input port 76 tothe internal termination 5 having a value R. In this state, the inputimpedance of the switch at 76 (presented to its source) is Zin=R. In theON position, illustrated in FIG. 6B, the input impedance at 76 equalsthe load impedance 70 connected at the output of the switch, which isalso R.

The situation when the switch is in transition (the arm moving from ONto OFF position or vice versa) is shown in FIG. 6C. In thisintermediate, transitional state, impedance Z₁ 72 and impedance Z₂ 74represent the impedances of the two arms of the switch. One impedancechanges from low to high and the other from high to low as the switchchanges the position during the transition time. It can be shown that ifthe product of the two impedances is maintained constant and equal toR², i.e. if the following equation is satisfied:

Z ₁ ·Z ₂ =R ²   (1)

then the input impedance at 76 will also be constant, i.e. it will bematched to R.

Unlike the input port, the impedance matching at the output port of theswitch will not be maintained as the switch changes states. Because theoutput port in this process is being switched to another source, i.e. toanother service which interrupts the original service by definition, itis not necessary to maintain the impedance matching at the output duringswitch transitions. The matching at the output will be restored uponswitching-in of the other source.

FIG. 7A is an example of the impedance when the condition of equation(1) is met; in actual implementation, the product of Z₁ and Z₂ willapproximately equal R² due to factors such as component andenvironmental variations. The impedance Z₁ is chosen to change linearlywith time, while Z₂ changes hyperbolically as R²/Z₁. With this conditionthe goal of constant input impedance is achieved, as shown on FIG. 7B bya constant impedance line 77 at R. The choice of linear change of Z₁versus time was made for illustration purposes only—any other choicesatisfying equation (1) will achieve the same goal.

In any particular implementation of this method, the impedance Z₁ 72 andimpedance Z₂ 74 will be designed in conjunction with the characteristicsof the switch elements and the switch control block 4. The switchcontrol block 4 has a timing control circuit that generates a timevarying control signal having a controllable rate of change that resultsin the desired impedance values of the impedances Z₁ and Z₂ at a giventime.

FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of the presentinvention switch using FET switching elements 100 and 102. In thisembodiment, the switches are controlled by digital to analog converters78 (DAC1) and 79 (DAC2), respectively. To achieve the impedancerelationship of the FET switches 100 and 102 meeting the requirement ofequation (1), the DAC1 and DAC2 generate ramp voltages of certaincomplementary profiles, as required based on the impedancecharacteristics of the FET elements. The DACs digital control isgenerated in the control block 4 shown in FIG. 4.

The actual switch circuitry will typically use a multiplicity of FETswitches, having series and shunt elements to achieve the requiredperformance. If desired accuracy of the controlled transitionalimpedances of the switches cannot be achieved with two DACs, more DACscan be used in order to approximate equation (1) with greater precision.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the switch control of the presentinvention. It is a simplified block diagram of the present inventionswitch using FET switching elements as in FIG. 8 but controlled by alinearized transconductance circuit 80 having a resistive load. Duringswitch-over, circuit 80 is driven by a differential sweep signals 81 and83 which produce complementary control voltages VDCM 82 and VDCP 84driving the FET switches 74 and 72, respectively.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of the control voltages 82 and 84 during theswitch-over transition state. As shown in the diagram, the product ofthe two controlled voltages VDCM and VDCP is nearly constant, whichtranslates to a nearly constant impedance product of the two FETswitches 74 and 72, which is the goal as earlier described in order toachieve a constant input impedance, i.e. the input matching.

With the help of the equations below it can be explained why theconstant product of the control voltages translates to a constantimpedance product. The impedance of the FET in active region can beexpressed by the following approximate equation:

1/Ron≈K·W/L·(VGS−Vt−VDS)   (2)

where Ron is the FET impedance, W and L are the gate width and length,respectively, K is a constant, VGS is the gate to source controlvoltage, Vt is the threshold voltage, and VDS is the drain to sourcevoltage.

Assuming VDS≈0 and substituting control voltages VDCP=VGS−Vt when Ron isimpedance Z₁ and VDCM=VGS−Vt when Ron is impedance Z2, the followingexpressions for the FET switch impedances Z1 and Z2 are obtained:

1/Z ₁ ≈K·W/L·VDCP   (3)

1/Z ₂ ≈K·W/L·VDCM   (4)

Multiplying equation (3) with equation (4) yields:

Z ₁ ·Z ₂≈1/[(K·W/L)²·(VDCP·VDCM)]≈constant   (5)

Since the product VDCP·VDCM is approximately constant, from equation (5)it follows that the product Z₁·Z₂ is also constant. Adjusting the K·W/Lsuch that Ron=R at the zero crossing of the differential sweep signal81/83, the following expression follows:

Z ₁ ·Z ₂ ≈R ²   (6)

i.e. the target condition of equation (1) is met with switch 3 of FIG.9.

In general, a “break before make” switching is desirable and oftennecessary. With this type of switching order, the connected path isfirst completely disconnected or switched-off and only then the new pathis connected or switched-in. This is often necessary in order to preventpossible degradation of the signal isolation as well as impedancemismatch during transition if two switches connected to the same nodeare switching-over at the same time. The proper timing of the switchingis achieved with the switch timing control front block 4.

FIG. 11A is a block diagram of a multiplicity of switches connected tothe same input. In this case, the input impedance is divided by thenumber of switches (N), as determined by the number of required outputs:Zin=R/N. For larger values of N, the input impedance can become too low.

FIG. 11B is a block diagram of two switches configured for a two input,one output arrangement.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a multiplicity of switches connected in a“pyramid” arrangement. Unlike the circuit of FIG. 11, the impedance inFIG. 12 scheme does not get reduced by the number of switches. In thefirst block 88 of the pyramid arrangement the value of the resistorcoupled to the input is chosen to meet the desired system Zin. Block 86uses a input resistor with a resistance value of 2R. Therefore, inputimpedance to the pyramid arrangement of switches is Zin and amplifier 85of block 88 and each amplifier of block 86 see a load impedance equal toR. To save the hardware, only one pair of shared DACs controlling thetransitional impedance of the multiplicity of switches, such as in thecase of FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 can be used. In this case the shared pair ofDACs is multiplexed between the switches, serving one at the time.

The signals received from different satellites can differ in powerlevel. Even the signals from the same satellite of differentpolarization can have unequal levels. To achieve optimum performance, itis advantageous to equalize signal levels before switching in thematrix. This can be achieved by the means of AGC or power levelingcircuitry, using variable gain and/or attenuation in the amplifierchain. Power leveling or AGC requires level detection and controlling ofa variable gain or attenuator element.

FIG. 13 is a simplified block diagram of an amplifier in an AGCarrangement for signal power leveling utilizing an IC internal variablegain amplifier. Level detector 94 via loop filter/amplifier 96 controlsa variable gain amplifier 92.

FIG. 14 is a simplified block diagram of an amplifier in an AGCarrangement for signal power leveling utilizing an external variablegain and/or attenuation block 93. In this case the internal amplifiercan have a fixed gain.

The amplifier 92 also serves as a buffer, improving the isolation andinput matching. Each implementation of the present invention can havesuch input buffering for greater isolation.

The matrix switch 40 in FIG. 15 represents one embodiment of the presentinvention switch solution. It consists of an array of interconnectedsingle-pole-double-throw (SPDT) switches 41 connected to the bus lines43. The bus line 43 can physically be a single point or an electricallyshort length of a transmission line. Each input drives one bus line. Thedesired input to output routing is achieved by selecting the appropriateposition of the SPDT switches. Since there is no isolation between theports connected to the same bus (it is the same electrical point), thedynamic cross-talk could be more pronounced between those ports. Theslow-speed switching method of the present invention described abovemitigates this problem.

It may be possible to reduce the effects of impedance change during theswitch-over of the matrix switch by replacing the bus 43 with signalsplitters, such as a well known Wilkinson power dividers or similar. Itis well known that power dividers provide isolation between the outputports and may isolate the effects of the nodal impedance changes.However, with this solution, complexity and insertion loss areincreased.

Any of the matrix switch types described can be used interchangeably inall disclosed embodiments of the present invention circuits.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the presentinvention having the same input-output capability as the circuit shownin FIG. 15, with a difference in the downconversion block 48 whereshared oscillators driving mixer pairs are used. The integrated circuitIC is a preferred embodiment of the mixers and shared oscillator.

The block diagram illustrated in FIG. 16 also utilizes a differentmatrix switch type 52. Matrix switch 52 uses active devices to drive theswitches that are connected directly to the bus. Each bus is driven fromone switch at the time and drives one output. In other embodiments ofthe matrix switch, the switch arrangements illustrated in either FIG.11A and FIG. 12 can be used.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a common Ku band downlink frequency band aswell as a standard intermediate frequency (IF) band. In the example, thedownlink Ku frequency band 12.2 GHz to 12.7 GHz is downconverted to astandard satellite IF frequency range: 950-1450 MHz by mixing with the11.25 GHz LO and 1650-2150 MHz by mixing with the 14.35 GHz LO.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a satellite bandtranslation system for receiving input from two satellites usingdifferent type oscillators 53 in the downconverter block, which shows a4 mixer block using 2 DRO-based local oscillators.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of another implementation of the presentinvention. In this implementation, an additional L-band 6×4 matrixswitch 110 is used. FIG. 18 also shows additional circuitry for caseswhere an external input already at an IF frequency can be switched andoutputted to the combiners by use of the additional 6×4 matrix switch.

FIG. 19 shows a circuit similar to FIG. 18 except the downconverter usesDRO-based local oscillators instead of PLL-based oscillators.

FIG. 20 illustrates the present invention for receiving inputs from twosatellites, outputting to three dual tuners using a 4×6 matrix switchand two downconverters each with three mixers sharing one LO.

FIG. 21 shows a similar implementation to that of FIG. 20 except themixers are DRO-based.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of the channel stacking method of the presentinvention with four channels combined on a single cable using fourbandpass filters each centered at different frequency within the tuneroperating range. The downconverters are frequency agile downconverters.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a circuit similar as FIG. 22, but for usewith input signals from three satellites.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of the channel stacking method of the presentinvention for use with two satellite inputs and an external IF input130. The external IF signal is first filtered by filters 124 and 126,and then upconverted (circuits 120 and 122) to the same frequency bandas the satellite signals (e.g. Ku or Ka band) and is then processed inthe same way as another satellite input. This embodiment of the presentinvention eliminates the post-downconversion matrix switching. The phasenoise may degrade due to re-conversion to high frequency. However, ifthe phase noise is dominated by the common PLL reference shared betweenthe upconverters and downconverters, much of that noise will be undoneor cancelled in the downconversion process, resulting in relativelysmall phase noise degradation. This will not be the case if DRO LOsources are used, in which case the noise of the DROs will be additive.Optional filter section 115 is used in channel stacked applicationswhereas for the band stack application, the filter section 115 generallydo not need to be used.

Each implementation of the present invention described here can haveenhanced performance with the addition of cross pole/leakagecancellation circuitry at the RF to remove undesired coupling at theswitch. A technique for inference cancellation is provided in PCTapplication US 2007/072592, by Goldblatt, Bargroff and Petrovic,entitled “Satellite interference canceling”, filed Jun. 29, 2007;application is subject to common assignment as of the presentapplication and incorporated herein by reference.

What is claimed is: 1-20. (canceled)
 21. A system, comprising: a matrixswitch comprising: a first input port, a second input port, a firstvariable impedance, a second variable impedance, a control circuitoperable to independently control the first variable impedance and thesecond variable impedance, a first switch component operably coupled tothe first input port and the first variable impedance, a second switchcomponent operably coupled to the second input port and the secondvariable impedance, and an output port operably coupled to the firstswitch component and the second switch component; a frequency convertercoupled to the matrix switch, the frequency converter being operable tooutput a plurality of frequency converted signals; and a combinercoupled to the frequency converter, the combiner being operable tocombine the plurality of frequency converted signals to produce afrequency stacked IF output.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein thefirst switch component is a first field-effect transistor (FET) switch,and wherein the second switch component is a second FET switch.
 23. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein the frequency converter comprises aplurality of downconverters.
 24. The system of claim 21, wherein thefrequency converter comprises a plurality of oscillators.
 25. The systemof claim 21, wherein the frequency converter comprises a plurality offrequency agile downconverters.
 26. The system of claim 21, wherein thefrequency converter comprises a plurality of gain elements.
 27. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein the first input port and the second inputport are operable to receive signals in particular frequency bands. 28.The system of claim 27, wherein the particular frequency bands comprisesone or more frequencies between 950 MHz and 2150 MHz.
 29. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the system is a satellite low noise block (LNB). 30.The system of claim 21, wherein the system comprises interface circuitryvia which signals in particular frequency bands are communicated betweenthe system and a circuit external to the system.
 31. A method,comprising: receiving a plurality of signals via a matrix switch, thematrix switch comprising: a first input port, a second input port, afirst variable impedance, a second variable impedance, a control circuitoperable to independently control the first variable impedance and thesecond variable impedance, a first switch component operably coupled tothe first input port and the first variable impedance, a second switchcomponent operably coupled to the second input port and the secondvariable impedance, and an output port operably coupled to the firstswitch component and the second switch component; generating, via afrequency converter coupled to the matrix switch, a plurality offrequency converted signals; and combining, via a combiner coupled tothe frequency converter, the plurality of frequency converted signals toproduce a frequency stacked IF output.
 32. The method of claim 31,wherein the first switch component is a first field-effect transistor(FET) switch, and wherein the second switch component is a second FETswitch.
 33. The method of claim 31, wherein the frequency convertercomprises a plurality of downconverters.
 34. The method of claim 31,wherein the frequency converter comprises a plurality of oscillators.35. The method of claim 31, wherein the frequency converter comprises aplurality of frequency agile downconverters.
 36. The method of claim 31,wherein the frequency converter comprises a plurality of gain elements.37. The method of claim 31, wherein the first input port and the secondinput port are operable to receive signals in particular frequencybands.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the particular frequencybands comprises one or more frequencies between 950 MHz and 3150 MHz.39. The method of claim 31, wherein the matrix switch is in a satellitelow noise block (LNB).
 40. The method of claim 31, wherein the methodcomprises: communicating signals in particular frequency bands, viainterface circuitry, to an external circuit.